The Couple's Portrait Session: Making Time for Just the Two of You

After the ceremony, the congratulations, and the hugs from everyone who loves you, there comes a moment that many couples don't fully anticipate: your portrait session together—just the two of you. This is often the most special and intimate part of your entire wedding day, and it deserves careful consideration when planning your destination wedding in Mexico.

At Bicoastal Images, we've photographed hundreds of destination weddings across Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. And we can tell you from experience: the couples who plan properly for their portrait session always walk away with the most breathtaking, emotional images of their wedding day.

Group Photos vs. Your Couple's Session: Know the Difference

Right after your ceremony, there's typically a rush of activity. Family members want photos, friends are congratulating you, and everyone is excited. This is the perfect time for group photos—but it's important to understand that these are different from your couple's portrait session.

Immediately after the ceremony: A big group photo with all your guests can happen right away while everyone is gathered. This captures the energy and excitement of the moment.

Immediate family photos: Parents, siblings, and grandparents can be photographed right after the ceremony as well. These are important, and having a shot list helps move through them efficiently.

Extended family and wedding party: Here's a tip many couples don't consider—your extended family photos (aunts, uncles, cousins) and additional wedding party combinations can actually be done during cocktail hour or even at the reception. This frees up precious time for what really matters: your session together.

This Session is Just for the Two of You

Your couple's portrait session should be exactly that—just the two of you, with your photographer. No family members peeking over shoulders. No well-meaning friends offering suggestions. No pressure from onlookers waiting for you to finish.

This is your time to breathe. After months of planning, the nervous anticipation of the ceremony, and the whirlwind of emotions, this session gives you a moment to simply be together as a newly married couple. When it's just the two of you, you can relax, focus on each other, and let your genuine connection shine through.

We've seen the difference countless times: couples who have privacy during their session are more relaxed, more playful, and more emotionally present. The resulting photos capture authentic intimacy rather than posed smiles for an audience.

Timing is Everything—Especially in Mexico

One of the most critical factors for your couple's session is timing, and this is especially true for destination weddings in the Riviera Maya. The Caribbean light is stunning, but it follows specific patterns that your photographer needs to work with—not against.

Golden hour is magical, but it's also limited. That beautiful, warm, soft light that makes beach wedding photos absolutely stunning? It only lasts about 45 minutes to an hour before sunset. If your ceremony is scheduled later in the day, your photographer needs adequate time to capture your couple's session before the light fades.

Here's what many couples don't realize: if your ceremony ends 30 minutes before sunset, and you spend 20 minutes on group photos, you've only left yourself 10 minutes for couple portraits during the best light of the day. That's not enough time to create the variety of romantic, intimate images you deserve.

Our recommendation: Work backwards from sunset when planning your ceremony time. Allow at least 30-45 minutes for your couple's session during golden hour, plus time for family photos beforehand. Your photographer can help you create a timeline that maximizes the beautiful Mexican light.

What to Expect During Your Session

If you've never had professional photos taken before, the idea of a portrait session might feel awkward or intimidating. Here's what you should know: you don't need to know how to pose. That's your photographer's job.

A skilled destination wedding photographer will guide you through natural movements and prompts that bring out genuine emotion. We might ask you to walk together, whisper something that makes your partner laugh, or simply hold each other close. The goal isn't to create stiff, formal portraits—it's to capture the real connection between you.

You'll likely move through several locations during your session, taking advantage of different backdrops the venue offers. In the Riviera Maya, this might include the beach, tropical gardens, architectural elements of your resort, or a scenic overlook. Each setting creates a different mood and variety in your final gallery.

Most importantly, this is your time to enjoy being married. Let yourself get lost in the moment with your partner. The best photos happen when you forget the camera is even there.

Protecting Your Session from Well-Meaning Distractions

We say this with love: your family and friends adore you and want to be part of everything. But during your couple's session, their presence—even with the best intentions—can be distracting.

When Uncle Bob is standing behind the photographer with his iPhone, you're not looking at your partner—you're looking at Uncle Bob. When your mom is watching from nearby, you might feel self-conscious about being romantic. When friends are waiting impatiently for you to finish so cocktail hour can start, there's subtle pressure that affects your ability to relax.

Set clear expectations ahead of time. Let your wedding party and family know that you'll be unavailable during your portrait session and that you'll join them at the reception. Your wedding coordinator can help manage guests during this time.

This isn't about being rude or exclusionary—it's about protecting one of the most special moments of your wedding day. Everyone will understand, and they'll appreciate the stunning images that result from giving you this private time.

The Photos You'll Treasure Forever

Your couple's portrait session produces the images that will hang on your walls, sit on your nightstand, and be passed down to future generations. These are the photos that capture not just how you looked on your wedding day, but how you felt about each other.

The beach at sunset with waves rolling in behind you. The look in your eyes as you hold each other close. The laughter shared in a private moment. The tender kiss with golden light streaming through your veil. These images become the visual story of your love—and they deserve the time and attention to be created properly.

Don't rush this. Don't squeeze it in as an afterthought. Plan for it, protect it, and give yourselves the gift of this uninterrupted time together on one of the most important days of your lives.

Planning Your Perfect Session

When you work with Bicoastal Images for your destination wedding in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or anywhere along the Riviera Maya, we help you build a timeline that prioritizes your couple's session. With over 12 years of experience photographing weddings throughout Mexico, we know exactly how to maximize the stunning Caribbean light and create images that take your breath away.

We'll work with your venue and wedding coordinator to identify the best locations, plan around the sunset time for your specific date, and ensure you have adequate time for both family photos and your private session together. Our goal is to make this part of your day feel effortless and enjoyable—never rushed or stressful.